Scots make their mark on Power 100 list

Nine Scots have made it on to the list that celebrates the most influential individuals with disabilities in the UK.

Dame Evelyn Glennie features in the Power 100 top ten.

Broadcaster Andrew Marr and paralympian Neil Fachie are among the Scottish names to feature in a new list to celebrate the UK’s most influential people with a disability or impairment.

Leading figures from across business, sport, the arts and a range of other professions have been featured in Power 100, with nine Scots making an appearance on the list.

The list was compiled by employment and skills charity Shaw Trust in partnership with publishers Powerful Media.

Award-winning percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, who is profoundly deaf, features in the Top Ten alongside Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson.

Dame Evelyn, the highest placed Scot on the Power 100 list at number seven, is the first person in history to successfully create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist, performing worldwide with the greatest conductors, orchestras, and artists.

Commenting on her inclusion she said: “It is an honour to be part of the Power 100 list alongside so many brilliant people that excel in their respective fields.

“Inspirational and motivational are just two words I would use to describe every single person, they prove it’s not a disability that defines you – it’s your contribution and determination.”

Joining Dame Evelyn are fellow Scots: Neil Fachie (Gold medal winning paraolympic cyclist), Claire Cunningham (performer and choreographer), Euan MacDonald MBE (founder MND research centre), Dame Anne Begg (former MP for Aberdeen), Andrew Marr (BBC broadcaster), Lord Low of Dalston (politician), Beth Carruthers (CEO of Remploy) and Amar Latif (founder of Traveleyes).

Marco Biagi MSP, Scottish Government community empowerment minister, said: “From academics to journalists, choreographers to percussionists, and paralympians to politicians the Power 100 recognises the diverse range of talents and incredible achievements of disabled people across the UK.

“Each individual story should be an inspiration to us all and it’s only right that their contributions should be celebrated.”

The second Power 100 was released yesterday to mark the UN International Day of Persons with disabilities.

Members of the public were invited to nominate people to be included in the list and an independent judging panel, chaired by Ade Adepitan MBE, the famous Paralympian, wheelchair basketball player and BBC presenter, selected the final 100.

Tanya Gilchrist, Head of Service at Shaw Trust Scotland, said: “It is a privilege to sponsor the publication for a second year and we hope it inspires more young disabled people to realise their full potential. Scotland already has a proud history of supporting diversity.”